Former approaches used in evangelism by the church are not effective in a post Christian age – but few if any have set forth an effective and particularly long term solution to the problem.

Does the church need another band-aid, or does it need a long term and lasting solution? That’s the question I set before you in regard to the church’s present problem with evangelism.

Many writers have identified the problem – that former approaches used in evangelism by the church are not effective in a post Christian age – but few if any have set forth an effective and particularly long term solution to the problem.

It’s the long term solution that presents the greatest challenge, for while there’s need to provide a new evangelistic approach to meet the needs of our day, wouldn’t it be better if a single approach were developed and taught which when implemented would work with all people in all ages, regardless of the method employed?

Just in my lifetime, I’ve been exposed to the various changes associated with such approaches as The Roman Road, The Four Spiritual Laws, The Evangelistic Bridge, Evangelism Explosion, and now a new version of Evangelism Explosion.

The problem is not so much with any of these evangelistic approaches individually; each has proven helpful in its own way and particularly in its own day. However, the continuing need for change highlights a deficiency in that each approach is somewhat specifically geared toward the specific culture (or a specific perspective within the culture) in which it has been developed but tends soon to become antiquated and ineffectual.

The best solution will be found not in developing an evangelistic approach just for a post Christian era but in discovering or developing an approach that applies to all eras of humanity. As the Bible provides paramount examples in other areas of life, why would we not look to biblical examples for direction in this area as well?

For example, there’s a similarity found in Jesus’ evangelistic approach with the Samaritan woman (who had some knowledge of the Scripture) and that of the Apostle Paul with the people of Athens (who did not). In both cases the presenter, regardless of technique (whether asking questions, or simply presenting the case), with knowledge of the people, took the people from “where they were” to the “fork in the road” where they must either believe on Christ or reject him, or at least to where some wanted to hear more on this subject.

John Piper once preached a sermon where he stated we too often focus (or harp) on the differences we have with another person rather than focusing on leading the other person to the whole measure of fullness in Christ. Regardless of the culture or age we live in, on one level it can be said that this is the task of the church and evangelism is the first part.

With this in mind, I write not only to raise awareness of the problem as well as both the potential for providing a solution to the greater need and the source that we should look to if that solution is to be found, but to suggest that a more practical and longer lasting approach can be developed from biblical examples, though the specifics related to each culture or era might still need to incorporated.

While I plan to develop more fully and perfect my thoughts on this subject in the future, let me presently state I’ve found greater comfort and confidence in both the foundation and the thematic framework associated with the following approach than I have in continuing to use the evangelistic approaches listed above. I derived this approach from the biblical examples mentioned above.

1. Take time to study the people you plan to evangelize.

Take note of what they worship; what they strive after but either don’t have an answer for or cannot achieve; what differences lie between what they worship and God himself; and how they express their search for a solution in light of their deficiencies, etc.

2. Draw attention to the deficiencies in the their lives.

This may be with their experience (practices and consequences) or their beliefs.
But be prepared to be attacked; no one likes it when their deficiencies are brought int o focus.

3. State that a solution exists for their deficiencies and that the people play a part in not possessing the solution.

Be prepared again to be attacked in regard to your possessing the solution and whether you think yourself greater than others.

4. Point out that unless there is change the their situation will not change, but those who look to God, his truth, and his Gifts will be more than satisfied.

Be prepared to be challenged as to whether you can provide what you’ve spoken about.

5. Point out the specifics which keep people from possessing the solution.

Be prepared for people to only admit part of the truth.

6. Lay out the details related to the deficiencies

Be prepared for people to credit you with some things, but try to divert the conversation by pointing to differences in religion.

7. Point out what’s most important is not differences among religions but fulfilling the requirements of God.

Be prepared for people to try to avoid responsibility.

8. Point out that Christ has come, and therefore they cannot avoid responsibility before him.

Tim Muse is a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America and is servng as pastor of Brandon Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Brandon, Miss.